5 Things / Authenticity
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Some of you may know that years ago, I used to be a wedding planner specializing in LGBTQ weddings. It was my first business. I had a love-hate relationship with the work and in hindsight, I know that part of the reason is that I seldom felt like my authentic self – I didn’t even know who that was. The truth is that I never really cared about weddings. I was in it for the advocacy for my clients and other LGBTQ+ couples. I wasn’t passionate about flowers, linens, letterpress stationery, etc, that my peers obsessed about and my clients splurged on. The result is that I spent a lot of time in my head. I was more stiff, much less playful.
I completely lacked authenticity, which ultimately caused burnout (it was exhausting to be fake) and I’m sure somehow contributed to my divorce. Authenticity seems like a buzzword but I’ve now learned that it’s the key to happiness. That sounds cliche but authenticity requires letting others in, letting them see our good, bad, and ugly, which in turn, builds connection. Connecting with others makes us more fulfilled and helps us live longer!
In this week’s 5 Things in 15 Minutes, I’ll be joined by my good friend, speaker, leadership coach, and writer, the incredibly authentic Charlene Wheeless. She wrote the fabulous book You Are Enough! Reclaiming Your Career and Your Life with Purpose, Passion, and Unapologetic Authenticity. We’ll talk about how to be more authentic and how that contributes to a more cohesive and productive workplace culture. It’s a choice, not a chance. Charlene is one of my sheroes and I hope you’ll join us.
This Week’s Good Vibes:
Walmart Scraps Degree Requirements for Some Corporate Jobs
Walmart is rewriting job descriptions for many corporate roles to remove degree requirements if the candidate has the necessary skills through prior experience or alternative learning. This shift towards "skills-based hiring" is very much welcome because folks from traditionally marginalized backgrounds are less likely to have degrees, yet can bring an incredible amount of value to the workforce. Thankfully this is an evolving trend with other companies like IBM, Accenture, and Google making similar shifts for positions in fields like cybersecurity and data analytics.
Lincoln Park Zoo Announces First-Ever Zoo-Based Memory Enrichment Program
Lincoln Park Zoo launched Memory Enrichment, a groundbreaking monthly program for individuals with dementia, creating a welcoming space for connection with wildlife and community building. It’s the first-of-its-kind program at a zoo and combines community building with education, multi-sensory experiences, and low-impact physical activity, mirroring common practices found in memory cafes. The zoo also offers various accessibility programs, including Sensory-Friendly Hours, ASL interpretation, and sensory bags. It’s been my absolute delight to share these types of stories with increasing frequency.
Laphonza Butler Sworn in as California’s Newest Senator and First Openly Black Lesbian to Join Congress
Newly appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler is the first openly Black lesbian to join Congress and the sole Black woman in the Senate here in the U.S. Appointed to fill Sen. Dianne Feinstein's vacant seat, she becomes the third Black woman to serve as a U.S. senator and will remain until a special election is held. Representation matters, my friends! I don’t often celebrate firsts but I love this one! She is a possibility model for young Black, queer women, and the world needs more of it.
United Airlines Looks To Improve Travel For Those With Disabilities
United Airlines will become the first airline to allow passengers with disabilities to filter flights based on wheelchair accessibility. Starting next year, travelers can input their wheelchair's dimensions, and the website will prioritize flights with cargo holds large enough to accommodate the chair. The move comes after a complaint from a passenger whose wheelchair was damaged during a flight. United will also refund the price difference for passengers who must choose more expensive flights due to wheelchair size and offer better accommodations for damaged or delayed wheelchairs. It’s about time, and I can only imagine this will pressure other airlines to follow.
Some Minnesota Hospitals Now Offer Culturally Appropriate Hair- And Skin-Care Products
Minnesota hospitals are taking steps to provide culturally appropriate hair- and skin-care products to patients, including those with textured hair or who wear hijabs. These efforts reflect a growing recognition in healthcare of the importance of culturally competent care to reduce racial and ethnic healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes. Offering such products can contribute to a sense of safety and normalcy for patients, particularly those from Black and brown communities, in an otherwise unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable hospital environment.
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